Army patrols increased as East Rajabazar goes into lockdown at midnight

Army patrols have been increased in Dhaka's East Rajabazar as the area prepares to go under lockdown on an experimental basis at midnight.

The measure is being taken after the locality was placed in the "red zone" -- an area earmarked to be put on total lockdown to stem the spread of Covid-19.

Army personnel will take all necessary steps to ensure the lockdown and work with the local administration and police in this regard, said the Inter Service Public Relations Directorate.

Only one entrance and exit on Green Road beside IBA Hostel will be kept open during the period and movement of all kinds of vehicles will remain suspended.

"Purba (East) Rajabazar has been placed in the red zone. For the last couple of days, we have been taking preparations to enforce the lockdown," local Ward Commissioner Faridur Rahman Khan Iran told The Daily Star today, adding that entry and exit to and from the area has been restricted until further notice.

He also said steps were underway to supply food to those living in the area and arrange transportation of patients. The authorities have also set up coronavirus testing sample collection booths and isolation centres for around 50,000 residents in the area, he said.

Volunteers will also be on the ready to help residents purchase essentials. The poor and the destitute will get free food but affluent families will have to pay for it, the ward commissioner added.

Meanwhile, UNB reported that a control room was set up at the local Naznin School and College with assistance from the DNCC ward councilor and representatives from the Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, A2i, E-commerce of Bangladesh (E-Cab) and others concerned.